Ethel Mae Pyles

1950 - 2025

Ethel Mae (Salzman) Pyles, 75, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born in Kaplan, Louisiana, on Oct. 26, 1950, a daughter of the late Freddie Salzman and Inez (Guidry) Salzman.
On Oct. 2, 1970, she married William Chester Pyles. They shared 51 years of marriage prior to his death on September 26, 2021.
Ethel became a licensed cosmetologist who took great pride in owning and operating her own salon, a place that reflected both her talent and her heart. Her salon was a gathering place filled with conversation, laughter and trust, built through years of dedication to her calling.
She was a devoted mother whose life centered on caring for her family; with patience and unwavering, deep compassion, she lovingly cared for her son, Billy, and grandchildren ensuring they were safe, supported and surrounded by unconditional love. Her selflessness, resilience and boundless love made an enduring example of what it means to be a mother and grandmother.
She is survived by two dearly loved children, William "Billy" D. Pyles of Punxsutawney and April (Chad) Jacklet of Troutdale, Virginia; four grandchildren who meant the world to her, Nathaniel Pyles, Morgan Skinner, Ian and Levi Jacklet; one brother, Freddie Salzman of Louisiana; and two sisters, Evelyn Guidry of Louisiana and Brenda Wade of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Bill; cherished daughter Sharon Skinner and husband Ronald Skinner; and one brother, Evans Salzman.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Paul Price. Interment will follow at Markton Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.